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Berwyn police to crackdown on drunk drivers, seat belt violators around Fourth of July holiday

By SUB URBAN LIFE MEDIA

June 23, 2014

BERWYN – Berwyn police will be cracking down on drunk and unbuckled drivers for the Fourth of July holiday.

The intensified enforcement effort will focus on late-night hours, where statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve a drunk driver and/or unbuckled motorist.

The crackdown is part of the statewide, Independence Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket effort.

Berwyn Police Chief James Ritz said too many people die each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking. As a result, Berwyn officers will be out in full force this Independence Day showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers and seat belt law violators, Ritz said.

Heightened enforcement began Monday and runs through July 6.

To avoid a potential crash or drunken driving arrest, the Berwyn Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive drunk. Other important tips include:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you are drunk, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.

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